The use of bioimpedance analysis in assessing unilateral breast oedema
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Can bioimpedance analysis provide a tool to accurately and consistently diagnose breast lymphoedema in females with unilateral breast swelling following breast conserving surgery for cancer, with or without adjuvant treatment, and with sufficient sensitivity to objectively quantify the volume reduction effects of manual lymphatic drainage?
IRAS ID
106941
Contact name
Beverley Lenton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Birmingham City University
Research summary
Can bioimpedance analysis provide a tool to accurately and consistently diagnose breast lymphoedema in females with one sided breast swelling following breast conserving surgery for cancer, with or without radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and with sufficient sensitivity to objectively quantify the volume reduction effects of manual lymphatic drainage?
Breast lymphoedema following cancer treatment is caused by damage to the axillary lymphatic system by surgery or radiotherapy. There is currently no standardised measurement tool, the assessment being subjectively based on a patient’s history, symptoms, physical examination and photography. Manual lymphatic drainage is an evidence based treatment, and early detection and treatment of lymphoedema improves physical, psychological and social outcomes. In patients presenting with minimal lymphoedema, accurate diagnosis can be difficult meaning a sensitive and reliable objective measurement tool would improve patient care by enabling accuracy in early diagnosis and measuring treatment response.
Bioimpedance analysis is a non-invasive and safe procedure that determines site specific lymph fluid volume by measuring electrical tissue resistance. It has proven to be effective in measuring limb lymphoedema, but evidence in breast lymphoedema is insubstantial and equipment availability is limited.
A six month pilot study will recruit patients from local service referrals to either the study or control group and will be conducted in a lymphoedema clinic. Eligible study group participants will be all female adults with a diagnosis of breast lymphoedema following breast conserving surgery for breast cancer, who are a minimum of eight weeks post surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, able to attend clinic and give informed consent. A control group with no history of breast cancer or surgery will also be recruited.
A Bodystat QuadScan 4000 multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer will take a series of bioimpedance measurements on both breasts as part of their normal assessment, and repeat measurements throughout treatment for the study group only.
REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/WM/1086
Date of REC Opinion
23 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion